"an eclectic view on style"

Menu

laughter

Life is tough! Can I get an amen? We start out as these carefree spirits, then each decade we start learning valuable things in life. My first decade I learned A LOT! I started out as this timid creature that was basically afraid of her own shadow but loved learning new things. I was a “loner” and loved collecting rocks and leaves as well as drawing constantly. I enjoyed being creative and keeping to myself. I also met one of my longest and dearest best friends, Christy.

Then came the teen years (YUCK) the time where EVERYTHING is dramatic and SO important when really none of it truly matters. Yes, it helps shape who you are but think about something you thought was really important back then. Does it matter now or hold any weight? Probably not. However, sometimes you make best friends for life during those years (the same Christy from above, Allyson and Elizabeth).

Then you experience adulthood. For me this consisted of the college years, marriage and family (the hardest yet best time of my life). I say hardest because you are dealing with becoming an independent adult and trying to figure out what you want to do in life. Then when you get to having a family all you want to do is spend time with them; just relax and hangout. You know, snuggle and play; not worry about “adulting.” Then sometimes life can wear you down because of not only the everyday demands in life but also trying to reach your own personal goals.

The one thing that has remained constant is, “my eclectic view on life.” I use this phrase because not only can I always see both sides to just about any story, but I also LOVE so many different things. I adore eclectic fashion, meaning I appreciate every type of style out there because it helps express who you are or how you are feeling that day. I also love a variety of music. Whether it be the rhythm, lyrics or simply a music video I go with what feels right and speaks to me. I also appreciate many forms of art and dance. If you haven’t noticed yet, there is a common theme. I like anything that makes me FEEL something. Emotions are hard for me to deal with sometimes. I can’t explain that, I just know that these eclectic interests I speak of help me feel things and deal with my emotions. Now, that may not make sense to you and that’s okay but it helps me appreciate every life out there and realize that every person I encounter is dealing with something in life; it could be something great or terrible. I also try not to take life too seriously and sometimes I have to remind myself of that because I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine when you’re going through a rough time. Take for instance the first picture. Andi is this amazingly, talented photographer that you’ve seen do quite a bit of my blog photos. She has such a way of making me feel relaxed in front of a camera and was able to catch the essence of me in this photo while laughing….that’s what I do constantly so this is what I probably look like on a day-to-day basis. One of the most valuable things I’ve learned from Andi so far in our friendship is when she asks you for a “fake laugh” you’ll soon be losing your mind with laughter at how silly you feel doing it. Next thing you know you’re having a great time. Try THAT when you’re having a bad day.

Sometimes as an eclectic thinker you have to take a time out for yourself and gather your thoughts because you’re constantly feeling so many emotions. It’s during those quiet times that you really need to dissect your thoughts and try to “make sense of it all” meaning life’s circumstances for not just yourself but your friends and family. Self-reflection can oftentimes lead to doubt. But then you need to remember all of the amazing things that have or are happening in your life and think of the people that actually care about you and your dreams! Now, THAT is an amazing feeling, right?

I’m writing this in hopes that whomever reads it realizes that when you are having a tough time dealing with life or people, just know that it’s not always the end of the world. Try having an “eclectic view on life” to help you deal with things. Think of another person’s point of view on a subject. Really think about what it means to take a walk in someone else’s shoes. Find an outlet that helps you deal with the stresses of life and reflect back on what has made you, YOU! I’ve experience a lot of heartache and pain but I have also learned so much from it and have become stronger. It also makes me appreciate all of the beautiful things in my life. Don’t EVER give up on yourself and always try to deal with your emotions in ways that are healthy for you. No one is perfect and always remember that, for not only yourself, but strangers walking down the street. Don’t be so quick to judge. For example, remember that social media doesn’t share a person’s whole story. It shows us how they want the world to see them. Or maybe that difficult person you had to deal with at work just experienced something traumatic but doesn’t share it with the world. Try altering your thinking and wonder about their story and what makes them who they are. Now, that’s something to ponder over, isn’t’ it?

I’d love to hear how you deal with emotions and the struggles that you encounter in life. Let’s talk about it and see how we can help each other out.